Why Drive 45 Minutes Further?
Discover the secret the locals keep.
Why 2026 is the year to go beyond the Bay of Islands.
The Bay of Islands is Beautiful. But Doubtless Bay is Peaceful.
We love our neighbours in Paihia and Russell. They have history, they have boats... and they have the crowds. Driving just 45 minutes further north brings you to Doubtless Bay (Mangonui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay). Here, the sub-tropical climate is the same, but the experience is entirely different.
- No Cruise Ships: You won't be fighting 3,000 day-trippers for a coffee.
- Private Beaches: It is not uncommon to be the only person walking on Coopers Beach at 9am.
- Local Pace: The traffic lights disappear. The stress evaporates. This is the "True North."
Did you know?
The famous Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell actually has its roots right here. Local history confirms that the building was originally the Cable Bay Station. When Russell needed a hotel with class, they put our station building on a barge and shipped it down the coast to them. We were the "prestige" destination then, and we still are now—just quieter.
Historically, the "Far North" felt far. Not anymore.
- The New Highway: The Pūhoi motorway extension has shaved huge time off the trip from Auckland.
- SH10 Resilience: Significant investment in new bridges and roading on State Highway 10 means the route to us is robust and reliable. While other regions struggle with weather events, our infrastructure is built to keep the North connected and accessible, rain or shine.
What "Going Further" Gets You
Better Beaches & Space
While the Bay of Islands is world-class for boating, Doubtless Bay is superior for beach life. You get miles of uninterrupted golden sand (like Coopers Beach) and safe swimming waters, without paying the "tourist premium" for a small hotel room.
Better Food & Wine
We aren't just fish and chips (though ours are world-famous). Mangonui is home to artisanal delis (the Coopers Beach Butcher), boutique vineyards like Dancing Petrel, and great cocktail bars like The Postmistress without the long wait times.
The Strategic Base Camp
You are on the doorstep of the Karikari Peninsula and Cape Reinga. By using us as your base, you shave 1.5 to 2 hours off the return drive to the Cape compared to staying in Paihia. That means a shorter day in the car and more time boogie boarding the dunes.
Your Reward for the Drive
Why leave when you can "WFH" at your new temporary home? (Shhh, the Boss will never know).
At Casa Playa de Los Osos, we ensure the extra miles were worth it.
- Arrival: Shake up a drink at the Cocktail Station immediately.
- Connection: 1GB Fibre means you’re connected enough to take a Zoom call from the deck... or just stream Netflix when the sun goes down.
- Comfort: A King Master Suite and huge covered deck await.
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Have any questions?
Send us through a booking inquiry and we'll get back to you.
Looking forward to having you stay at Casa Playa de los osos (The Beach House of the Bears)